A 6-year-old girl suffered injuries in a dog bite incident in Lake Forest after a loose dog attacked her in the driveway of her own home. According to a Los Angeles Times news report, the girl's mother shot the dog, believed to be a pit bull mix or boxer, which attacked her daughter the morning of May 19, 2010. Two of her daughters, ages 3 and 6, were walking to a neighbor's house when the dog attack occurred. The dog quickly got on top of the 6-year-old and repeatedly bit her.
Dog Bites 6-year-old
A neighbor tried to get the dog off the girl, but it didn't work. Then, the girl's 14-year-old brother leaped at the dog and punched it until it let go of the girl. The woman grabbed her girls and ran into the house, but the dog chased after them. The woman returned with a 9-millimeter Glock pistol and shot the dog once in the neck. Orange County Sheriff's deputies are looking for the dog's owner. Neighbors say the dog is vicious and has exhibited violent behavior in the past. The little girl suffered seven bites to her face, leg, arm and shoulder.
My heart goes out to this family, especially the little girl, who has evidently sustained serious injuries in this vicious dog attack. I wish her the very best for a quick, and complete physical as well as emotional recovery from this attack. She and her family will be in my prayers.
Liability in Dog Bite Cases
Based on this news account, it appears that someone in the neighborhood owned the dog. Apparently other neighbors were also familiar with this dog's viciousness. The animal has probably bitten or tried to attack others before. I trust officials are now looking into the dog's history and record of prior viciousness.
However, regardless of the dog's past behavior, the dog owner could be held liable for this brutal attack and the resulting personal injuries. Under California law, dog owners can be held financially responsible for the injury or harm caused to others by their pets. There are very few exceptions to this law. California’s Civil Code Section 3342 states: "The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness."
Dog bite victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, cosmetic surgery and even cost of psychological therapy. In most incidents a dog owners' home insurance will cover injuries caused by dog bites. Victims in such cases would be well-served by consulting with an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will protect their legal rights and hold the negligent parties accountable.
Do you have dangerous dogs in your neighborhood? Have you contacted animal control about it? We'd like to hear from you.
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
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